I always consider it an honor when a friend asks me to host their cover reveal. In Viviane Elbee's case, this is a double pleasure because "back in the day" we were members of the same SCBWI-Carolinas critique group in Charlotte AND I got to post the cover of her first picture book, Teach Your Giraffe to… Continue reading You Heard It Here First: Viviane Elbee's SECOND Picture Book, a Cover Reveal, and a Giveaway!
Today I'm pleased to review Frankenslime (Macmillan, 2021) written by Joy Keller and illustrated by Ashley Belote. I'm particularly excited since Ashley is the Carolinas-SCBWI illustrator coordinator and this is her debut picture book.Take a look at this amazing cover!REVIEWHere is the book's simple, yet captivating first line:Victoria Franken was a slime scientist.What kid wouldn't want to keep… Continue reading FRANKENSLIME : A Review, Illustrator Interview, and an Autographed Giveaway!
Congratulations to Cindy Lynn Sawyer who won EQUAL and Lisa Fowler who won DRIVE from last week's blog. *****This week I'm featuring North Carolina author-illustrator, Brandon Reese, and his newest book, CAVE DADA PICKY EATER (Chronicle… Continue reading CAVE DADA PICKY EATER by Brandon Reese: A Review, Author Interview, and Autographed Giveaway!
Congratulations to Danielle Hammelef who won THE SUMMER OF THE TREE ARMY from last week's blog. ****Some people read a book which they really like and rush through it to get to the end. Not me. When I find a book that… Continue reading EQUAL by Joyce Moyer Hostetter: A Review, An Autographed Giveaway, and a Bonus Giveaway!
Congratulations to Cathy Ogren who won Lulu and Rocky in Indianapolis from last week's blog.It is my honor to present Vijaya Bodach's new picture book, LITTLE THIEF! CHOTA CHOR! (Reycraft, 2020) Vijaya is an active member of SCBWI-Carolinas and a great supporter of all things literary. Last year I reviewed her YA book, BOUND. REVIEWTrue to "in media… Continue reading LITTLE THIEF! CHOTA CHOR! A Picture Book Review and Giveaway
Congratulations to Jana Leah for winning Lights Out on last week's blog. Thanks for all the entries! **** Today I have a special treat for you. Cat Michaels, a fellow SCBWI-Carolina member, asked if I would help her and her co-author, Rosie Russell with the launch of their new middle-grade book, Just Between Sam and Me.… Continue reading Getting Started With Co-Authoring: A Conversation with Cat Michaels and Rosie Russell
Congratulations to Sarah Maury Swan who won ORDINARY HAZARDS off last week's blog. **** REVIEW Last fall I attended the SCBWI-Carolinas panel in which Lina Maslo co-presented "Bringing Your Voice to Non-Fiction." I heard about her forthcoming book, THROUGH THE WARDROBE which she wrote and illustrated. Immediately I knew I wanted to share it with all of you--and… Continue reading THROUGH THE WARDROBE: How C.S. Lewis Created Narnia
Congratulations to Theresa Milstein who won ILLUSIONS and Sandra Warren who won STONES from last week's blog. Today, I'm bringing you a guest post by a fellow North Carolina children's writer, Melissa Cole Essig. This article first appeared on the SCBWI-Carolinas blog, PEN & PALETTE. Melissa graciously allowed me to share it with you. A… Continue reading LIVING–and WRITING and ILLUSTRATING–in the Time of COVID-19: A Guest Post by Melissa Cole Essig
When I heard that Kelly Dyksterhouse, a hard-working member of the SCBWI-Carolinas region, had recently become a literary agent, I asked her if she would share her journey as well as what type of books she is looking for. Take it away, Kelly! It’s interesting for me to look back and try to trace how I… Continue reading You Heard it Here First: Kelly Dyksterhouse Joins Raven Quill Literary Agency
On a spur of the moment I decided to attend a panel discussion with Lisa Kline, Robin Kirk, and Katie Pryle; I was glad that I did! Lisa and Robin are both authors who have been published by Blue Crow Publishing, a traditional small press which Katie co-founded with Lauren Faulkenberry. Katie Pryal, Lisa Kline,… Continue reading "Small With Big Dreams" at SCBWI-C 2019 Conference